Voting machine



July 29, 1941. R F, SHQUP 2,251,254

\ VOTING MACHINE Filed March '7, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR and A07 ATTORNEYS July 29, 1941. R. F. SHOUP VOTING MACHINE Filed March 7, ,1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 J. i MN 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 R. F. sHou VOTING MACHINE Filed March 7, 1939 lllll ATTORN EYS July 29, 1941.

July 29, 1941. R, F, SHQUP 2,251,254

VOTING MACHINE Filed March 7, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ZZZ mf W

INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Patented July 29, 1941 VOTING MACHINE Ransom F. Shoup, Ardmore, Pa., assignor to The Shoup Voting Machine Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application March 7, 1939, Serial No. 260,288

44 Claims.

This invention relates to voting machines and more especially to voting machines of the type disclosed in Shoup et al. Patent No. 2,054,102.

In the machine disclosed in said patent, there is no provision for conditioning the machine for the election of delegates and alternates to the national conventions of the various political parties and one of the objects of this invention is the provision of means in such type voting machines by use of which the machines may be conditioned for the election of delegates and alternates to national party conventions.

Since the major political parties elect different numbers of delegates to their national conventions, as well as different numbers of alternates, another object of this invention is the provision of mechanism under the control of an election oflicer and which is effective to condition the voting handle interlock to limit the number of delegate handles operable by a voter to the number of delegates to which he is entitled to vote for and also for controlling operation of the voting handles under various other voting requirements. together with means for preventing improper operation of such mechanism by the election oflicer.

A further object of this invention is to support the voting handle interlock for bodily movement to permit it to accommodate itself to a condition arising from the operation of a large number of closely associated voting handles.

Other objects, novel features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a rear view of a voting machine embodying the invention, only such parts of the machine being shown as are pertinent to the invention and in curtain-closed position;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged section on the line 22 of Fig. 1 in curtain-open position and with the spindle control mechanism of one political party in actuated position;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 in curtain-open position with the spindle control mechanisms of all parties unactuated;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1 in curtain-closed condition with the spindle control mechanism of a. second party in actuated condition;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the line 55 of Fig. 1 in curtain-closed condition with the spindle control mechanismv of a third party in actuated position;

Fig. 6 is a section substantially on the line 6-6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevation of the delegate mechanism interlock;

Fig. 8 is an elevation of the interlock plates in offset relation;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a part of the delegate mechanism;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section similar to Fig. 3 illustrating a modification;

Fig. 11 is a section on the line ll-ll of Fig. 2;

Figs. 12 and 13 are sections on the line l2l2 of Fig. 11 in different conditions;

Figs. 14, 15 and 16 are perspective views of parts of the machine;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary section on the line |'l-l'| of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 4 of a modification.

In this paragraph is described structure common both to voting machines embodying the present invention and to the machine of Shoup et al. Patent No. 2,054,102 and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters in so far as is practical. In Fig. 1 is disclosed a casing I0 enclosing a spindle locking and restoring frame consisting of horizontal bars connected by vertical channel bars 66 having cutout portions providing rungs 61 arranged to engage arms 59 carried by the voting spindles 38 having handles 30. The bars 65 are provided with oblique slots in which voting spindles are received and also with an interconnecting track member 65b which engages rollers 65a carried by a vertical bar 68. The bar 68 is provided with oblique slots through which extend pins 68 carried by the casing. At the lower end of the bar 68 is provided a stud 10 which extends into the slot 58a in the main cam bar 58. The arrangement is such that upon leftward movement of the main cam bar 58 from its curtain-open position (Fig. 6) to its curtain-closed position, Fig. 1, the bar 68 is elevated and moved to the left from the position shown in Fig. 6 to the position shown in Fig. 1 and upon return movement of the main cam bar to its curtain open position (Fig. 6) the bar 68 returns to the position shown in Fig. 6. A vertical bar 54 has oblique slots 55 through which extend pins 56 supported by the casing and carries a pin 51 projecting into the slot 58a so that upon movement of the main cam bar from its curtain-open position, Fig. 6, to its curtain-closed position, Fig. 1, the bar 54 is lifted and moved horizontally from its normal position (not shown) into the position shown in Fig. 1 to release the counters (not shown) by mechanism (not shown) and upon return of the main cam bar to curtain-open position, the bar 54 returns to its original position to lock the counters. Springs II tend to pull the spindle locking and restoring frame leftward and upward and a latch I2 is provided for holding such frame in spindle locking position when the machine is in curtainopen condition. A link 12a is connected at one end to said latch "I2 through a spring 12b and at its other end has a stud 12c fitting into a slot 54a in the bar 54. The link is actuated to release the frame just before the bar 54 reaches curtainclosed position. The voting handle or spindle interlock comprises horizontal straps 6| (Fig. 2) connected to arms 59 on the spindle 38 and passing in groups between pairs of rollers 62 supported in longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of a vertical channel member 42. Certain of the rollers 62 are tubular and headed pins 63 extend through them and passages in the channel member to lock said rollers in fixed position while each strap 6| has enlarged head or wedge 64. In the front wall of the casing I is provided a vertical column of personal choice slots I33 with a slidable closure I40 for each slot. In back of the slots is a guide I4I over which passes a sheet of paper I42 from a feed roller I43 toa take-up roller (not shown), Fig. 2. A yoke I pivotally supported on a rod I50a is rotated counterclockwise from the position shown in Fig. 2 by movement of any closure I40 to open position through the medium of a slide 223 subsequently to be described and, if actuated, is returned to its original position upon return of the machine to curtain-open position through the engagement of the flange 54b at the upper end of the bar 54 with the pin I51 carried by one arm of a bell crank lever I58, the other arm of which is connected through the link I56 with the yoke I50. The yoke I50 coacts with mechanism, not shown, to advance the strip I42 a predetermined distance for each actuation of the yoke. A vertical plate I 500 of the shape shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is provided with a vertical series of apertures constituting guideways for links or draw bars I6I which, at one end, are attached to arms I60 pivotally supported by the rod I50a mounted in brackets I501) attached to the plate I500, and each link I6I is provided with a pin 6 Ia connected to an interlock strap 6I. Means actuated by each personal choice slot closure engages each corresponding arm I60 to move the latter leftward upon opening of the slot, thereby actuating a corresponding interlock strap 6| of the spindle interlock. Means, later to be described, and equivalent to the means shown in said Patent No. 2,054,102 are provided for returning any actuated arm to the position shown in Fig. 2 upon return of the machine to curtain-open position. The operation of the above-described mechanism is the same as in said Shoup, et a1. patent and will not be herein set forth in detail.

A plate-like carrier 20I (Figs. 2 and 6) en' ages the rear face of the bar 68 and is provided with horizontal slots 20Ia through which exten the pins 69 fixed to the casing and also with horizontal slots 202. The carrier 20I is also provided with vertical slots 20 lb through which extend pins carried by the bar 68 and supporting the rollers a. The carrier 20I is limited to horizontal movement by the pins 69 and moves leftward from the position shown in Fig. 6 upon upward and leftward movement of the bar 68. Three vertical plates 203, 204 and 205 have corresponding oblique slots 206a extending downwardly from left to right through which extend pins 206 also extending through the slots 202 in the carrier 20I. The pins 206 are provided with heads 20! engaging the outer surface of the plate 205 and carry washers 208, 200, 2I0 and 2I0a, the latter of which have hubs over which the ends of the pins 206 are spread to prevent withdrawal of the pins (Fig. 2). The upper ends of the oblique slots previously referred to normally contact the pins 206 to support the plates from the carrier. The slots 202 are of less length than the extent of horizontal movement of the bar 68 to which the carrier 20I is attached, such extent of movement being determined by operating requirements of other parts of the voting machine than those to which this invention is directed. Therefore, a lost motion connection exists between the pins 206 and the carrier 20I so that upon horizontal reciprocation of the carrier the pins 206 are also horizontally reciprocated, but over a shorter path. In curtain-open position, the pins 206 contact the left ends of the slots 202 and in curtain closed position these pins contact the right ends of said slots. A stop 2 is provided on the plate I50c for engagement by the right edges of the plates 203, 204 and 205 and a stop 2| Ia is carried by the casing I0 for engagement by the hub of each washer 2I0a to limit leftward movement of the pins 206 from the position shown in Fig. 2. The plates 204 and 205 are of the same width while the plate 203 is slightly wider than the other two plates and are staggered with respect to the plate 203 in such relation that at no time does the left edge of either of the plates 204 and 205 extend beyond the left edge of the plate 203.

The carrier 20I is provided with three square apertures 203b, 2042) and 205b arranged at different elevations (Figs. 3, 4 and 5). The plate 203 is provided with two square apertures 2040 and 2050 equal to and in alinement with the apertures 2041) and 205b respectively. The plate 204 is provided with an aperture 205d equal to and in alinement with the apertures 20% and 2050. A pin 203a is carried by the plate 203 and projects through the aperture 203b. A pin 2040. is carried by the plate 204 and projects through the apertures 2040 and 204b. The plate 205 is provided with a pin 205a which projects through the apertures 205d, 205c and 205D. Each of the apertures is of sufficient area to permit upward and leftward movement of any plate along the path defined by the pins 206 and the slots 206a through which they project without contact of any pin 203a, 204a or 205a with the top or left wall of any aperture.

Horizontal pull rods 2I2, 2I3 and 2H (Figs. 2 and 6) arranged at different elevations pass between the plate 203 and the carrier 20I and each rod at its right end is slidably supported by a bracket on the carrier 20I and is provided with a horizontal slot on the bottom of which normally rests one of the pins 203a, 204a and 2050., each slot having an upwardly directed opening at its right end to permit upward movement of the pin out of the slot (Fig. 6). Each rod extends a substantial distance to the right beyond the right end of the slot. Leftward movement of the pull rod 2I2 with the right end of its slot in contact with the pin 203a causes simultaneous upward movement of plate 203 through the medium of the pins 206 and resulting movement of the pin 203a upward out of engagement with the rear wall of the slot, thereby freeing the rod for further leftward movement to locate its top edge under the pin 203a to hold the plate 203 in elevated position during the later-to-be-described leftward movement thereof. Leftward movement of either rod 213 or 214 causes corresponding operatidn of the plate 204 or 205 respectively.

In each link 161 are provided apertures 215 and 216 having upwardly directed keyways. Each link is provided with a pin 61a connected to an interlock strap 61. These apertures are adapted to receive pins 211 having keys 211a which will pass through the keyways and then serve to lock the pins in the link (Fig. 9). The end of each pin 211 is bent into radial alinement with the key 211a so that the pin is held by gravity with the key 211a extending downwardly, thus preventing accidental removal of the pins 211. The pins in the apertures 215 are of sufficient length to extend into the path of the plate 203 while the pins in the apertures 216 are of sufficient length to extend into the path of one or both of the plates 204 and 205 (Figs. 3, 4 and 5). The rods 212, 213 and 214 have connection through pins 218 with bars 219, 220 and 221 respectively which extend through the end wall of the casing and are provided with knobs 219a, 220a and 221a (Figs. 1 and 7). In curtain-open position, the right edge of carrier 201 engages the heads 160a and is effective upon return of the machine to curtain-open position to restore any actuated arm 160 to the position shown in Fig. 2.

The foregoing mechanism provides means for selectively limiting the number of voting spindles which may be operated in connection with the election of party convention delegates and alternates and other similar election situations. In the election of convention delegates and alternates, members of different political parties are entitled to vote for different numbers of delegates and alternates and it is therefore necessary that of the spindles allocated to the various delegate candidates of the various parties, it be possible for the election officer to limit the number which can be operated by a member of any one of the political parties to a given number, it being customary for the number of delegates and/ or alternates to be different for each political party. For illustrative purposes, assume that the Democratic party elects eight delegates, the Republican party elects four delegates and the Socialist party elects two delegates and that each party has a group of candidates larger than the number of delegates to be elected. Also, assume that the knob 220a is allocated to the Democratic party, the knob 219a to the Republican party and the knob 221a to the Socialist party. The spindle interlock is so adjusted that any eight of the interlock straps 61 connected to spindles allocated to delegate candidates of any party may be actuated, but no more than eight. Four pins 211 are inserted in the apertures 215 of four links 161 of sufficient length to extend into the path of the plate 203 (Fig. 3) and six additional pins 211 are inserted in the apertures 216 of six links 161 of sufficient length to extend only into the path of the plate 205 (Fig. 4)

Assume, first that a Republican voter enters the voting booth, whereupon the election officer pulls the knob 219a, thereby moving the rod 212 to the left to effect upward and leftward movement of the plate 203 as previously described (Fig. 6), thus moving the plate 203 to the left from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 2 to engage the four long pins 211. The plate 203 is moved relative to the plates 204 and 205 on the pins 206 to place it in such position relative to the pins 206 that when the latter are moved to the left by the carrier 201 during curtain-closing operation of the machine, the plate 203 will by engagement therewith of the four long pins 211 move the attached draw bars 161. Movement of the rod 212 to the left is of such extent as to bring the upper edge of it under the pin 203a to maintain the plate 203 in elevated position during the laterto-be-described leftward movement of the bar.

Upon movement of the main cam bar 58 into curtain closed position, the bar 68 is elevated and moved to the left carrying with it the carrier 201 from the position shown in Figs. 2 and 6 to a position leftward thereof by a distance equal to the extent of horizontal movement of the bar 68. Such movement; of the carrier first takes up the lost motion between the carrier and the pins 206, after which it efiects leftward movement of said pins to a position in which the hubs of the washers 210a engage the stop 2| 1a. The plates 203, 204 and 205 are moved correspondingly to the left by reason of the engagement of the pins 206 with the left walls of the plate slots 206a through which said pins extend. There is no corresponding movement of the rods 213 and 214 as well as no corresponding movement of the knobs 220a and 221a by reason of the slots in the bars 213 and 214 in which the pins 204a and 205a slide. The relation of the length of the slots 202 to the extent of horizontal movement of the plate 68 is such that the extent of movement of the plates 203, 204 and 205 equals the extent of movement necessary to draw a wedge 64 between a pair of rollers 62. Therefore, by reason of the engagement of the plate 203 with the four long pins 211, the above-described movement of the plates 203, 204 and 205 with the carrier 201, draws four draw bars 161 to the left with corresponding movement of four wedges 64 between pairs of rollers 62, thereby reducing by four the number of spindles which may be operated by the voter. Upon return movement of the main cam bar 58 to curtain open position, the carrier 201 is returned to the position shown in Fig. 6 and returns any actuated plate and the corresponding link or draw bar 161 to its original position also shown in Fig. 6. During such return movement of the carrier, the pins 21! remain in engagement with the left edge of the plate 203 and when the carrier comes to rest the four draw bars 161 reach the extreme limit of their rightward movement. The plate 203 remains elevated until after the election officer pushes in the knob 218a, thus bringing the top opening of the slot in the rod 212 under and the overhanging portion of the rod in contact with the pin 203a whereupon the pin is pushed to the right and drops into the slot with corresponding downward and rightward movement of the plate 203 to its original position.

Now assume entry of a Democratic voter into the booth. The election ofiicer pulls knob 220a. thus moving the rod 213 to the left and elevating the plate 204 while moving it to the left as previously described, the plate being held in elevated position by engagement of the pin 204a with the top edge of the rod 213. When the carrier 201 is moved to the left by the movement of the main cam bar 58 from curtain-open to ourtain-closed position, no links 161 are moved to the left as there are no pins 211 engageable by the plate 204 (Fig. 4) and consequently there is no reduction in the number of spindles which may be operated by the voter. Upon return of the main cam bar to curtain-open position, the

plate 204 will be returned to original position as described in connection with plate 203.

Now assume entry of a member of the Socialist partyfiito the voting booth. The election officer pulls knob 22Ia thereby elevating the plate 205 and moving it to the left on carrier 20I as previously described. This bar contacts six short pins 2I1 (Fig. 5) so that upon movement of the carrier 20I to the left, concurrent with movement of the main cam bar into curtain-closed position, the number of spindles which may be operated is reduced by six. The return of the plate 205 to its original position is accomplished as previously described.

Should the knob 2 I 9a be allocated to the Democratic party and the knob 220a to the Republican party, the same result will be obtained by placing no pins 2I'I in the apertures 2I5, but placing pins 2I'I in the apertures 2I6 of four links I6I of suiiicient length to extend into the paths of both plates 204 and 205 and additional pins 2I'I in the apertures 2I6 of two additional links IBI of sufficient length to extend only into the path of the plate 205. By use of the stud 2IIb shown in Fig. 10, the need of separate pins for engagement with the plates 203 and 205 is avoided.

Other arrangements of the pins 2 I! to accomplish the desired combinations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the arrangement illustrated may be utilized in connection with a four-party delegate election with each party electing a different number of delegates. In such event, the spindle interlock is so adjusted as to permit actuation of as many spindles as there are delegates to be elected by the party electing the largest number and pins 2I'I are properly arranged in the draw bars I6I for engagement by the vertical plates 203, 204 and 205 to limit the other parties to operation of the number of spindles corresponding to the number of delegates to be elected by such parties. When a member of the party having the largest number of delegates enters the machine, the delegate mechanism is unafiected by operation of the oflicers knob allocated to such party in the primary election (it being common practice to elect the convention delegates at a primary election) but upon entry of a member of one of the other parties, the proper one of the three vertical plates 203, 204 and 205 is actuated by operation of the oificers knob allotted to the voters party and the delegate mechanism is conditioned, as previously described.

For candidates for election as alternates to the national party conventions, a similar set-up is provided below the set-up for the delegate candidates and the proper arrangement of pins 2II in draw bars H is provided. The number of alternates for each party may differ from the number of delegates so that the set-up for the alternate is not necessarily an exact duplicate of the delegate set-up. The mechanism above described is flexible enough to take care of any combination of numbers for the delegates and alternates of three parties. Also, such mechanism permits adaptation of the machine to other specialized voting requirements as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Each of the arms I60 is provided with a head I60a of arrow shape directed approximately perpendicular to the arm I60 (Fig. This head projects through a channel-shaped runner 222 (Fig. 14) slotted at 222m and having a rightangle extension attached to a slide 223 supported by the front wall of the voting machine casing just in back of the guide 224 in which is received the strip on which is printed the names of the various ofiices to be voted for. Each slide is in alinement with a personal choice slot closure I40. A reinforcing plate 225 is provided on the right angle extension and extends above and below the top and bottom edges of the runner 222. The right edge of the head I60a contacts the inner end of the slot 222a, so that when the runner 220 is moved to the left from the position shown in Fig, 2, the runner swings the arm I60 counter-clockwise. The right end of each slide 223 normally engages the left end of a closure I40 so that when a voter moves the latter leftward from the position shown in Fig. 2, it likewise moves the slide to the left, but the return of the closure I40 may be effected without in any way affecting the slide 223. Movement of the plate I40 from the window-closing position shown in Fig. 2 to the left to window-opening position effects corresponding movement to the left of slide 223 and through engagement of the runner 222 with the head I60a effects swinging movement of the arm I60 counterclockwise from the position shown in Fig. 2 to actuate the corresponding link I6I and associated interlock strap GI. Also leftward movement of a slide 223 effects counterclockwise rotation of the yoke I50 through engagement therewith of the right angle extension by which the runner 222 is connected to the slide 223.

After operation of one or more links I6I by one of the plates 203, 204 and 205 to determine the number of operable spindles, the opening of a personal choice slide I40 corresponding to such link does not have its usual effect upon the spindle interlock. For this reason, means are provided for preventing the opening of a closure I40 corresponding to a link I6I which has been actuated by one of the delegate plates so as to prevent a voter from registering a personal choice vote in addition to actuating the number of spindles allocated to his party. This means constitutes a plate 226 having an olfset end 226a in which is provided a socket 226D embracing the rod I50a. The end of the socket 2261) is closed by a lever 226a which is swingable from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 16 to the broken line position of the same figure to facilitate mounting the plate on the rod I50a. The plate 226 is arranged directly above each arm I60 and is provided on its under face with a flange 230 having a central recess of slightly greater width than the width of the arm I60. The plate 226 is held against counterclockwise swinging movement by engagement with the channel member 24I later to be described and when the arm I60 is in the position shown in Fig. 2, the right end portion of the flange 230 rests upon the top surface of the arm I60 to maintain the plate 26 in the position shown in Fig. 12. When the arm I60 is swung counter-clockwise by a delegate bar, it registers with the cut-out portion in the flange 230 and permits the plate to drop to the position shown'in Fig. 13 in which position the end of the plate 226 lies in the path of the left end of the plate 225, thereby locking the runner 222 and also the plate I40 against leftward movement. The plates I40 are held against leftward movement by the yoke I50 until after the action of the delegate bars has been effective to determine the number of operable spindles due to the fact that upward movement of the bar 68 is completed before upward movement of the bar 54 is begun.

When the machine is set up for general voting and-*a personal choice plate I40 is actuated, the corresponding arm I60 is actuated through a the plate 226 does not interfere with movement of the runner 222. It is then lifted to original larger arc than when it is actuated by a delegate bar and the plate 226 is dropped as previously described, but not until after the plate 225 has moved under the end of the plate 226 so that position by engagement of arm Hill with the bottom of the flange at the other end of the recess and held in such position until the arm I60 is returned to original position which is subsequent to the return of the runner 222 to its original position.

Means are provided for controlling the number of knobs 2|9a, 220 and 22 la that may be actuated at any one time. Such means comprises three equal size plates 221, 228 and 229 which are arranged vertically side by side as shown in Fig. 8. In the particular embodiment herein illustrated, the lower half of each of these plates is provided with slots 0, b and c. In the plate 221, the slot a is horizontal with a vertical slot leading downwardly from its inner end while the slot b is fully horizontal and the slot has an oblique component. In the plate 228, the slots (1 and b have oblique components while the slot 0 is fully horizontal. In the plate 229, the slot a is the same as the slot (1 in plate 221 while the slots b and 0 have oblique components. The rods 2l9, 220 and 22| are provided respectively with pins 238a, 2381), and 2300 adapted respectively to enter the slots a, b and c of the three plates 221, 228 and 229. Thus, when knob 2l9a is pulled, pin 238a enters the three slots a of the three plates with the result that the plate 228 is lifted to misaline the slots 1) and 0 thereof with the slots 1) and c of plates 221 and 229. When the knob 220a is pulled, the pin 2302) enters the three slots 1) with the result that the plates 228 and 229 are lifted, thus misalining the slots 11 and 0 thereof with the slots a and c of plate 221. When the knob 22la is pulled, the pin 2300 enters the three slots 0 with the result that plates 221 and 229 are lifted, so that the slots a and 1) thereof are rnisalined with the slots a and b of plate 228. Whichever plate or plates are thus elevated are held in elevated position by a latch 23! pressed toward the right edges of the bars by a spring 232 (Fig. 7). The arrangement of. slots in the plates 221, 228 and 229 is such as to prevent simultaneous operation of any two of the bars 2l9, 220 and 22l as well as to lock out two of such bars by action of one bar.

The latch has a tooth 233 which engages notches 234 in the plates to maintain them in elevated position. The latch 233 is carried by a shaft 235 which is also attached to an arm 236 provided with a pin 231. A link 238 has at one end a slot into which extends a pin 231 and at its other end is pLovided with a pin 239 extending through a slot 248 in the bar 68 and a horizontal slot 28lc in the carrier 29l (Fig. 6), the shape of the slot 240 being such that upon movement of the bar 68 from a curtain-open to curtain-closing position, the link 238 is first positively moved to the left and is then released from the control of the bar 68 to be held by the spring 232 and upon return movement of the bar 68 from curtain-closing to curtain-open position, the link 238 is free of the control of the bar 68 until the latter reaches nearly the end of its return stroke when the link 238 is then moved to the right to pull the latch 23l into inoperative position. The timing of the operation of the latch is such that it is not released until after full return of the locking and restoring frame to spindle-locking position.

The channel member 42 of the interlock is mounted for limited vertical movement to permit the interlock to accommodate itself to a condition arising from the operation of a large number of successive interlock straps 6|. A channel member 2 is attached to the righthand face of the plate I500 and in the sides of this channel member are provided slots into which extend rollers 242 carrying a ring 243. The channel member 42 is provided with studs 244 which pass through the rings 243 and to the ends of which are threaded the nuts 245. Springs 246 are arranged between the rings 243 and the channel member 42, these springs tending to push the channel member away from the rings. The channel member 42 is partially supported by a spring 241. The proper relation between the locking rollers 62 and the wedges 64 is obtained by adjustment of the nuts 245 thereby either drawing the channel member 42 toward the rings or permitting the springs 246 to move the channel member away from the rings. Vertical movement of the locking member as a whole is permitted by the arrangement of the rollers 242 in the slots.

A channel member 248 overlies the heads of the pins 63 and is provided in its web portion with oblique slots 249 terminating in vertical portions, there being provided an enlarged aperture 250 at the lower end of each slot. Headed pins 25l carried by the channel member 42 extend through the slots 249 provide means whereby vertical movement of the channel member 248 results in horizontal movement thereof into and out of overlying relation to the pins 63. When the channel member 248 is in its uppermost position, it can be completely disconnected from the interlock channel member 42. A leaf spring 252 is attached at its upper end to the upper end of the channel member 248 and has in its lower end an aperture to receive a stud 253 extending from the head of the adjacent top pin 25!. With the stud projecting through the aperture in the spring 252, the channel member 248 is held in its elevated position in which position it overlies the heads of the pins 63. The member 248 may be moved downwardly and out of overlying relation to the pins 63 by lifting the lower end of the spring to disengage it from the stud 252 thereby freeing the channel member 248 for downward movement. In its upper position the channel member 248 abuts a pin 248a at the top of the interlock channel 42, which pin serves as a connection for the spring 241 and also prevents malicious removal of the channel 248.

The interlock illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 has other functions than the above-described use in connection with the delegate mechanism. In addition to the slots a, b, and c, the plates 221, 228 and 229 are provided with slots at, e and f. In plates 221 and 228, the slots d are horizontal, while in 229, the slot d has an oblique component. In the plate 221, the slot e has an oblique component while in the plates 228 and 228 slots e are horizontal. In the plates 221 and 228, the slots f have oblique components while in the plate 229, the slot 1 is horizontal. Draw bars 24l', 242 and 243' are provided with the pins 230d,

230e and 230f, adapted respectively to enter the slots d, e and f of the three plates 221, 228 and 229 and with knobs 24Ia, 242a and 243a. By use of tho-mars 24I', 242' and 243', together with the bars 2I9, 220 and HI, the machine may be conditioned for a primary election with as many as six parties participating. In such event, each of the aforementioned bars is connected to a strap P (Fig. 3) which in turn is connected to one of six primary bars I90 for co-operation with arms 59a and spindles 38, all as illustrated and described in Ransom F. Shoup Patent No. 2,191,- 086. Also, to each pin 2I8 of the various bars is connected a strap 83 leading to a marker (not shown) for properly marking the paper I42 with a party indication as described in Shoup Patent No. 2,054,103. In the event that a delegate election is held simultaneously with a primary election, straps P are connected as above described between the bars 2I9, 220 and 22I and a corresponding number of bars I 90.

A slidable stud 244' underlies the bottom edges of the plates 221, 228 and 229 and the plate 228 is cut away at 245'. When the stud 244' is in the position shown in Fig. 7, it holds the plates in such position that the mouths of slots a, b, 0, dl, e and f in the three plates are respectively in alinement, but when the stud is in the broken line position the plate 228 drops sufliciently to misaline the slots and prevent actuation of any of the knobs. The stud is moved to broken line position when the machine is set up for general voting, thus rendering inoperative the primary and delegate mechanism.

The plate 228 may be provided with slots (1', e and c which are identical with the slots d, e and 0, but are offset downwardly equal to the distance through which any plate is moved upon insertion of a pin into any one of the slots having an oblique component. This arrangement of slots in combination with the shape of the slots a in plates 22'! and 229, provides means for con ditioning the machine to meet the requirements of certain communities.

For example, a county general election may be held in conjunction with a state primary election and a voter may be eligible to vote in the county election only if he has paid certain taxes before election day, but be eligible to vote in the state primary irrespective of whether or not he is eligible to vote in the county general election. To meet this requirement, bars 24I, 242' and 22I allocated to the three principal political parties are connected to bars I90 controlling the spindles allocated to state primary voting and the bar 2I9 is connected to other bars I90 controlling the spindles allocated to the county general election, while the remaining bars have no connection to any other parts of the machine.

Upon the entry into the machine of a voter qualified to vote in both elections, the election oflicer pulls knob 2I9, thus releasing the spindles allocated to the county general election and drawing the pin 230a into the slots a with consequent elevation of the plate 228 to bring the slots d, e and c into register with the slots d, e and c of the plates 221 and 229, such action being permitted by reason of the vertical slots at the ends of the horizontal slots a. He next pulls one of the knobs 24Ia, 242a and 243a to release the spindles allocated to the party with which the voter is affiliated. Operation of any one of the said bars is permitted by reason of the alinement of the slots d, e and c of 228 with the slots (1, e and c of 221 and 228. Actuation of any one of the draw bars 24I', 242' and HI results in looking out the other two as previously described. The voter then indicates his vote by operating the proper voting spindles and his vote is registered in the usual manner.

Upon the entry into the machine of a voter not qualified to vote in the county general election, the election oflicer does not pull the knob 2I9a thereby leaving locked the spindles allocated to the county general election, but only operates the proper one of the knobs 24m, 242a and 22Ia to release the spindles allocated to the party with which the voter is affiliated. The voter then operates the spindles to indicate his primary vote which is registered in the usual manner. Other uses of the interlock of Figs. 7 and 8 will be apparent to one skilled in the art and will not be described herein in detail. It is merely necessary in adapting the lockout to other uses to properly connect one or more of the bars 2I9, 220, 22I, 24I', 242' and 243' to other parts of the machine. A spring 254 is provided for each arm I60 tending to maintain it in the position shown in Fig. 2 for the purpose of assisting the return movement to such position by any actuated arm I60.

In Fig. 18 there is illustrated a modification in which two vertical plates 203' and 204 are associated with the carrier 20I instead of three vertical plates 203, 204 and 205. Means similar to the means previously described are associated with the vertical plates 203 and 204 for effecting individual movement thereof relative to the carrier 20I. With this arrangement, the machine may be set up for two-party delegate election or a three-party delegate election in the same general manner as previously described. Instead of the rods 2II, the draw bar IIiI is equipped with a member 2I'Ic of sufficient length to be engaged by the plate 203', but having a recess into which the plate 204' may extend without actuating the draw bar I 6|. This arrangement makes it possible to actuate draw bars IBI by the vertical plate 203' while at the same time avoiding actuation of any such draw bars by the vertical plate 204'.

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ransom F. Shoup Patent No. 2,191,086.

I claim:

1. In a voting machine, a carrier mounted for reciprocation between a rest position and an actuated position, means for effecting reciprocation of said carrier, a plate, means inter-engaging said carrier and said plate for supporting said plate by said carrier for movement relative thereto in the direction of carrier reciprocation and for movement with said carrier, means for actuating said plate relative to said carrier and maintaining said plate in actuated position during reciprocation of said carrier, a longitudinally movable draw bar, and means on said draw bar for engagement by said plate, if actuated, upon movement of said carrier from its rest position to its actuated position.

2. In a voting machine according to claim 1, automatic means for locking said plate actuating means in actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position.

3. In a voting machine according to claim 1, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, a connection between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

4. In a voting machine according to claim 1, automatic means for locking said plate actuating means in actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including. a plurality of interlock straps, a connection between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

5. In a voting machine according to claim 1, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restoresaid draw bar, if actuated, to its original position.

6. In a voting machine according to claim 1, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore said draw bar, if actuated, to its original position, automatic means for locking said plate actuating means in actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position.

7. A voting machine according to claim 1, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore said draw bar, if actuated. to its original position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, a connection between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

8. In a voting machine according to claim 1, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore said draw bar, if actuated, to its original position, automatic means for looking said plate actuating means in actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, a connection between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

9. In a voting machine, a carrier mounted for reciprocation between a rest position and an actuated position, means for effecting reciprocation of said carrier, a plurality of plates, means interengaging said carrier and said plates for supporting said plates by said carrier for movement relative thereto in the direction of carrier reciprocation and for movement with said carrier, means for actuating each of said plates relative to the remainder and maintaining the same in actuated position during reciprocation of said carrier, a plurality of longitudinally mo.able draw bars, and a pin carried by each draw bar, some of said pins projecting into the path of one plate and the remainder projecting into the path of more than one plate for engagement by an actuated plate upon movement of said carrier from its rest position to its actuated position.

10. In a voting machine according to claim 9, automatic means for locking said plate actuating means in actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position.

11. In a voting machine according to claim 9, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

12. In a voting machine according to claim 9. automatic means for locking said plate-actuating means in actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

13. In a voting machine according to claim 9, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position.

14. In a voting machine according to claim 9, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, automatic means for locking said plate-actuating means in actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position.

15. In a voting machine according to claim 9, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, automatic means for locking said plate-actuating means in actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

16. In a voting machine according to claim 9, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, automatic means for locking said plate-actuating means in actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return movement of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

17. In a voting machine, a carrier mounted for reciprocation between a rest position and an actuated position, means for efiecting reciprocation of said carrier, a plurality of plates, means inter-engaging said carrier and said plates for supporting said plates by said carrier for movement relative thereto in the direction of carrier reciprocation and for movement with said carrier, means for actuating each of said plates relative to the remainder and maintaining the same in actuated position during reciprocation of said carrier, a plurality of longitudinally movable interlock draw bars, and members connected to said draw bars and projecting into the path of at least two plates, each member having a cutout portion in alinement with the edge of one plate.

18. In a voting machine according to claim 17, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest positior? to restore any actuated draw bar to original position.

19. In a voting machine, a carrier supported for horizontal reciprocation, means for effecting reciprocation thereof, a vertical plate, means inter-engaging said carrier and said plate for supporting said plate by said carrier for horizontal movement with and relative to said carrier and enforcing vertical movement of said plate during horizontal movement thereof relative to the carrier, a horizontally movable pull rod for said plate having two difierent level horizontal surfaces defining a vertical shoulder, a pin carried by said plate in overlying relation to said rod for engagement by said shoulder to effect movement of said plate relative to said carrier upon horizontal movement of the pull rod, the upper surface of said rod being engageable by said pin after elevation of said plate to hold the same in elevated position during reciprocation of said carrier, a horizontally movable draw bar, and means carried by said bar for engagement by said plate, if actuated, upon reciprocation of said carrier.

20. In a voting machine according to claim 19, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position.

21. In a voting machine according to claim 19, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, a connection between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

22. In a voting machine according to claim 19, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said looking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, a connection between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

23. In a voting machine according to claim 19, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore said bar, if actuated, to its original position.

24. In a voting machine according to claim 19, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore said bar, if actuated, to its original position, and automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position.

25. In a voting machine according to claim 19, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore said bar, if actuated, to its original position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

26. In a voting machine according to claim 19, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore said bar, if actuated to its original position, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps between said draw bar and one interlock strap, and connections between the remaining interlock straps and said spindles.

27. In a voting machine, a carrier mounted for reciprocation between a rest position and an actuated position, means for effecting reciprocation of said carrier, a plurality of vertical plates, means inter-engaging said carrier and said plates for supporting each plate by said carrier for horizontal movement with and relative to said carrier and enforcing vertical movement of each plate during horizontal movement thereof relative to the carrier, a horizontally movable pull rod for each plate having two different level horizontal surfaces defining a vertical shoulder, a pin carried by said plate in overlying relation to said rod for engagement by said shoulder to effect movement of said plate relative to said carrier upon horizontal movement of the pull rod, the upper surface of said rod being engageable by said pin after elevation of said plate to hold the same in elevated position during reciprocation of said carrier, a plurality of horizontally movable draw bars, and a pin connected to each draw bar, some of said pins projecting into the path of one plate and the remainder projecting into the path of more than one plate for engagement by an actuated plate, upon movement of said carrier from its rest position to its actuated position.

28. In a voting machine according to claim 27, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position.

29. In a voting machine according to claim 27, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

30. In a voting machine according to claim automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

31. In a voting machine according to claim 27, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its re t position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position.

32. In a voting machine according to claim 27, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position.

33. In a voting machine according to claim 27, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

34. In a voting machine according to claim 27, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

35. In a voting machine, a carrier mounted for reciprocation between a rest position and an actuated position, means for effecting reciprocation of said carrier, a plurality of vertical plates, means inter-engaging said carrier and said plates for supporting each plate by said carrier for horizontal movement with and relative to said carrier and enforcing vertical movement of each plate during horizontal movement thereof relative to the carrier, a horizontally movable pull rod for each plate having two different level horizontal surfaces defining a vertical shoulder, and members connected to said draw bars and projecting into the path of at least two plates, each member having a cut-out portion in alinement with the edge of one plate.

36. In a voting machine according to claim 35, means actuated by said carrier upon return movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position.

37. In a voting machine, a carrier supported for horizontal reciprocation, means for effecting reciprocation thereof, a vertical plate, means inter-engaging said carrier and said plate for supporting said plate by said carrier for horizontal movement with and relative to said carrier and enforcing vertical movement of said plate during horizontal movement thereof relative to the carrier, a pin carried by said plate, a horizontally movable pull rod for said plate having a slot to receive said pin, said slot having a vertical portion leading downwardly from the top of the rod and a horizontal portion leading from the bottom of said vertical portion, the width of the rod at one side of said vertical portion being greater than at the other side, said pin normally resting on the bottom of said slot and being engaged by the vertical wall of said slot upon movement of said rod to efiect movement of said plate relative to said carrier with concomitant vertical movement of said pin above the upper edge of said rod which underlies the pin upon further movement of the rod to maintain said plate in actuated position during reciprocation of said carrier, 2. horizontally movable draw bar, and means carried by said bar for engagement by said plate, if actuated, upon reciprocation of said carrier.

38. In a voting machine according to claim 37, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position.

39. In a voting machine according to claim 37, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

40. In a voting machine according to claim 37, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

41. In a voting machine according to claim 37, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position.

42. In a voting machine according to claim 37, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, and means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position.

43. In a voting machine according to claim 37, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, a plurality of voting spindles, an interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

44. In a voting machine according to claim 3'7, means actuated by said carrier upon movement from its actuated position to its rest position to restore any actuated draw bar to original position, automatic means for locking said pull rod in plate-actuated position, means actuated by said carrier reciprocating means to release said locking means upon return of said carrier to its rest position, a plurality of voting spindles, an

interlock including a plurality of interlock straps, and connections from certain of said interlock straps to said spindles and from the remaining interlock straps to said draw bars.

RANSOM F. SHOUP. 

